“The National Union of Students of the Philippines [NUSP] Metro Manila welcomes the consideration of different school administrations of economically and socially disadvantaged students by suspending online classes. It is with deepest gratitude that we thank the different student councils who took the initiative to keep education accessible during this multisectoral crisis,” said NUSP Metro Manila in a statement on March 31.
The group’s call to suspend online classes on March 17 was heeded by several schools based in Metro Manila already. The group found out that lack of internet connection and own laptops or gadgets prevent some students make it difficult to comply with the switch to online classes due to the month-long suspension of classes ordered by quarantine. Many also found difficulties with the slow internet connection, additional internet expenses and lack of preparations for the sudden shift to online classes.
According to the group, the following schools have suspended online classes:
- Adamson University
- Ateneo De Manila University
- Centro Escolar University
- City of Malabon University
- De La Salle University Taft
- Emilio Aguinaldo College
- Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology
- Far Eastern University
- Lyceum of the Philippines University
- Mapua University (until March 24)
- National University
- Our Lady of Fatima University
- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela
- Philippine Normal University
- Polytechnic University of the Philippines
- San Beda University (until March 25)
- System’s Technology Institute
- Technological University of the Philippines
- University of the East
- University of the Philippines system
“Meanwhile, we call on the school administrations that have not yet ordered an online class suspension to further consider the struggles of students in these trying times,” the group said.
The National Teacher’s College have designed the Enhanced Student Academic Engagement Arrangement (ESAEA) “to provide maximum flexibility to our students, so that everyone will be given the chance to finish his/her academic requirements with ample teacher support and time, and to learn at his/her own pace.” Those who do not have internet can resume work when they return to school and participate in free extension classes. Those who have internet access and want to progress their studies, can complete their work online, and then participate in free enrichment classes when they return, or else spend more time on extra-curricular activities or part-time work.
The group also identified schools with ongoing online classes or distance learning scheme:
- Colegio de San Juan de Letran
- De La Salle College of Saint Benilde
- De La Salle Araneta University
- St. Paul University Manila
- Universidad de Manila
- University of Caloocan City
“This union of students has been at the forefront of students’ struggle to accessible and quality education, but it is in our consideration, too, to campaign suspension of all school-related activities to give way to students bothered by thinking of everyday’s survival. More importantly, we want to get through this crisis without a single student being left behind,” the group said of the move to push for cancellation of classes.
Students’ concerns and grievances may be reported to the group.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) suspended classes until April 15 following the declaration of enhanced community quarantine over the whole island of Luzon. Classes have been suspended since March 10 following confirmation of COVID-19 local transmission. Schools have been recommended to switch to online classes since March 10.
